Blache on Briggs' case

August 19, 2003|BY DAVID HAUGH.

Outside linebacker Bryan Knight returned to the practice field after sitting out a week with a strained right knee, but Lance Briggs took the snaps with the No. 1 defense. That figures to change Tuesday when the Bears practice in pads. Coach Dick Jauron said he expects Knight to start Friday night against the Arizona Cardinals and that Briggs, despite strong showings in the first two exhibition games, "needs to get consistent and get endurance." . . .

Defensive coordinator Greg Blache obviously agrees. Blache blasted Briggs several times during Monday's practice, especially after a blown assignment during a 7-on-7 drill.

"I'm not as high on this guy as you guys [in the media] are," Blache said later. . . .

Maybe watching the film of the No. 1 defense's effort Saturday against the Broncos, which included a 15-play Denver drive, put Blache in a bad mood. "The best thing about Saturday's game is that it ended," Blache said. "We're looking for championship play and I didn't see it. Right now, they're all on my you-know-what list." . . .

Backup center and left tackle Bernard Robertson missed practice with a sore hamstring and defensive tackle Tron LaFavor was back on the field after bruising his shoulder Saturday. . . . Cornerback R.W. McQuarters, who had a rough time on the Broncos' 15-play drive, started the week positively by intercepting Kordell Stewart during 7-on-7 drills. . . .

Ahmad Merritt, who had a 31-yard return against the Broncos, was the deep man when the No. 1 kickoff-return team practiced forming the wedge. Scrappy free safety Cameron Worrell also was on the first kickoff-return team. . . .

The Bears held their collective breath when Brian Urlacher and tight end Desmond Clark got their legs tangled and tripped awkwardly during a pass drill. Clark caught the pass and gave Urlacher a high-five as the two popped right up. . . .